Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Located
10kms east of Nanguneri Thothadri Nathan Divya Desam in a remote village is the 14th
Century AD Jagannathan Perumal Temple in Shenbaga Rama Nallur, a temple almost
similar in size to the Mannar Koil near Ambasamudram and the Nambi Divya Desam
in Thiru Kurungudi with huge outer walls, built during the Chera period.

The Story

The story
goes that Chera King Udaya Marthanda Varma’s descendent (Shenbaga) Rama Varma
built this temple. Having visited Lord Jagannathan at Puri, he was on his way
back. With flash floods striking this region, he halted here for the night at
this village.

It is
believed that Puri Lord Jagannathan appeared in his dreams and directed him to
build a similar temple here at this place. An invisible voice the next morning
showed him the exact spot for building the Garuda Sannidhi and installed the East
Facing idol of Jagannathan with Sri and Bhoo Devi with Dwarapalakas at the
entrance.

A
separate sannidhi for Shenbagavalli Nachiyar was also built South of Jagannatha
Perumal Sannidhi.

In recognition
of his contribution to the temple, one finds an idol of Shenbaga Rama Varma at
the entrance.

Inscriptions

There
are several inscriptions inside the temple that date back to the 14th century

It is
believed that lot of grants were given to the temple in centuries gone by with
over 130acres of land still in its possession.

Prarthana Sthalam

In the
inner prakara is a Lakshmi Narayana Sannidhi. Belief is that lighting a ghee
lamp on a lemon on Tuesday/Friday will fulfil one’s wishes. Thirumanjanam and
Kalyana Utsavam is performed on special days at the special Mandapam erected on
the Eastern side.

In the
last 40years, Gopala Bhattar has been taking care of the temple all by himself
without much of a salary. He has installed a bore well to improve the water
facility at the temple. He has also installed new vahanas that carry the lord
out on the grand processions in Thai.

Currently,
two time pooja takes place at the temple every day.

The
gopuram at the Eastern Entrance remains a Mottai Gopuram with the Chera King
not being able to complete the Raja Gopuram.

Ananthapuri
Express stops at Nanguneri. From Nanguneri, an auto to the temple will cost Rs.
150-200. Also, share auto/share van run every hour. Bus ply every hour from
Nanguneri towards Moolaikaripetti. One can get down at the Shenbagaramanallur
junction – 2kms away- and take a local auto to the temple (Rs.50).